Can African Sideneck turtles be out of water?
Despite being an aquatic turtle, African Sideneck turtles can be out of water for weeks at a time. That being said, their natural habitat is still in water, and therefore you should always provide them access to water. They are more prone to diseases when they spend extended periods of time outside of water.
How big of an aquarium do I need for an African side neck turtle?
Housing African Side-Neck Turtles. African side-necks are aquatic turtles, therefore, they need a large fish tank that will hold water. Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in their tank so the larger the tank is the better. Ideally, you should have about a 75-gallon aquarium (or larger) that is half to three-quarters full of water.
How do you take care of a side necked turtle?
The water should be free of chlorine and other chemicals. You should also be aware of the fact that they pass their feces right into the water. Therefore, you will have to get the water cleaned either manually, or you can always take the aid of a water filter. This will make the water absolutely desirable for your turtle’s survival.
How to care for a West African mud turtle?
Keep any water source as clean as possible by overflowing outdoor ponds weekly and by doing frequent water changes for indoor units. While no turtle likes to be picked and held, the West African mud turtle has a rather calm disposition. They rarely bite and usually withdraw into their shells if they are being handled.
What kind of heat does an African side neck turtle need?
Like all other turtles, African side-necks are reptiles, not fish or amphibians. Therefore, they require supplemental heat to maintain their body temperatures along with UVB rays to properly metabolize calcium and Vitamin D3. Both heat and invisible UVB rays can be easily provided in the form of special light bulbs from the pet store.
Housing African Side-Neck Turtles. African side-necks are aquatic turtles, therefore, they need a large fish tank that will hold water. Your turtle should be able to swim and dive in their tank so the larger the tank is the better. Ideally, you should have about a 75-gallon aquarium (or larger) that is half to three-quarters full of water.
What should I Feed my African side necked turtle?
They like feeding on plants, insects, worms, and also fish. They also pick water grass, hyacinth, lettuce, and other water plants as good choices for food. Introducing your pet turtle to the commercial turtle food types is beneficial. Feeding them with these will help them have a healthy well-being.
What kind of care does an African sideneck turtle need?
African Sideneck Turtle Care Level. Due to its environmental requirements, moderate size, and long lifespan West African mud turtles/sideneck turtles are best left to intermediate and advanced turtle keepers. That said, they are hardy turtles and can withstand periods of deprivation.
Like all other turtles, African side-necks are reptiles, not fish or amphibians. Therefore, they require supplemental heat to maintain their body temperatures along with UVB rays to properly metabolize calcium and Vitamin D3. Both heat and invisible UVB rays can be easily provided in the form of special light bulbs from the pet store.
